Methods and means for continuous vertical finger jointing lumber

ABSTRACT

A method of and means for continuous vertical finger jointing the ends of lumber wherein individual relatively short timbers or sticks are conveyed transversely of their longitudinal axes in abutting side-by-side, on-edge relationship or solid sheet-like array throughout finger shaping operations and the application of adhesive to one end of each timber, being maintained in right angular relation to their longitudinal axis of travel, and then are assembled end-to-end during linear conveyance thereof to a final step of cutting in desired lengths.

United States Patent 1191 Cromeens et a1.

1 1 METHODS AND MEANS FOR CONTINUOUS VERTICAL FINGER JOINTING LUMBER [75] Inventors: Jeff Y. Cromeens; Thomas E. Clyce,

both of Garland, Tex.

[73] Assignee: Industrial Woodworking Machine Co., Inc Garland, Tex.

[22] Filed: Aug. 16, 1973 [2]] Appl. No.: 388,752

[52] US. Cl 144/317; 83/5; 144/3 R; 144/309 L; 144/90 A; 144/323; 144/246 B;

[51] Int. Cl. 8276 11/00; B27F l/08 Field of 144/3 R, 2 R, 313, 314 R, 144/317, 323, 309 L, 90 R, 90 A, 91, 246 R,

[ Dec. 23, 1975 Primary Examiner-J.M. Meister Assistant ExaminerW. D. Bray Attorney, Agent, or FirmJoseph H. Schley; Thomas L. Cantrell ABSTRACT A method of and means for continuous vertical finger jointing the ends of lumber wherein individual relatively short timbers or sticks are conveyed transversely of their longitudinal axes in abutting side-by-side, onedge relationship or solid sheet-like array throughout finger shaping operations and the application of adhesive to one end of each timber, being maintained in [56] References Cited right angular relation to their longitudinal axis of UNITED STATES PATENTS travel, and then are assembled end-to-end during linl,543,158 6/1925 Hobart et a1 144/90 R ear conveyance thereof to a final step of cutting in de- 1.903.s2s 4/1933 Curle 144/90 x sired lengths 2.300,728 11/1942 144/309 L X 3.179.135 4/1965 Windsor 144/3 R 10 Claims, 25 Drawing Figures I '3' a a a: In o n:

' a. "Av a :0 m a a m l. I I I a I I I 1 0 ll! I. an L, w

-L Li 1 no 1 I I t g t 1* a l so n I I 1,. 1 7

US. Patent Dec. 23, 1975 Sheet 2 of 8 3,927,705

US. Patent Dec. 23, 1975 Sheet 3 of 8 3,927,705

-1 FIGJZ U.S. Patent Dec. 23, 1975 Sheet 5 of 8 Fig l3 FIG. 23

US. Patent Dec. 23, 1975 Sheet 6 of8 3,927,705

US. Patent Dec. 23, 1975 Sheet 7 of 8 3,927,705

FEED DRECTION -b 99 w. m 'w U.S. Patent Dec. 23, 1975 Sheet 8 of8 3,927,705

H m usm uz ww E o 10.526 v.55 Hi0 M29201 mvw WNGE uuBin 0:00am moi-o Joarzoo Quinn um Ho: 352mm METHODS AND MEANS FOR CONTINUOUS VERTICAL FINGER JOINTING LUMBER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Finger jointed lumber is of standard length and is assembled from sticks or shorter lengths of relatively small timbers which have had their ends serrated or finger jointed by special woodworking equipment, and the serrated ends of these timbers are mated with one another so as to create a longer length of lumber which is trimmed, if necessary, to standard lengths with the mated ends of said timbers being secured with glue or other adhesive. The technology of making finger jointed lumber renders it possible to produce lumber of acceptable quality from lower grade timber than would otherwise be required as a raw material, whereby it is feasible to utilize a greater proportion of a cut tree as high grade lumber and thus reduce scrap losses.

There are three basic steps involved in the manufacture of a length of finger jointed lumber:

l. Forming finger joints or serrations in both ends of enough short sticks or timbers to make up the required length;

2. Mating the joints of the short timbers, including applying the glue or other adhesive and bonding together adjacent ends of said timbers; and

3. Cutting the length of lumber so formed to selected standard lengths.

Equipment and methods have been developed in the past for performing each of these steps. While such equipment is usually mechanized, and in its best forms has automatic and semi-automatic aspects, it has limitations in methodology which hinder the efficient production of finger jointed lumber.

First, there has been a basic one-at-a-time approach to the production process and it has been the practice to cut the finger jointed grooves or serrations in each short length of timber or stick separately from the cutting of grooves in any other timber and across the wider of its transverse width so as to provide horizontal finger joints. Also, it has been the practice to assemble each joint separately from the assembly of other joints, even one at the opposite end of a single short timber. Further, it has been the practice to assemble discrete finger jointed timbers of approximately exact standard lengths, and then to trim the assembled timbers one-ata-time, or at best in small groups, to a selected standard length.

The principal difficulty with the approaches followed heretofore has been the difficulty of increasing production rates. The performance of each step can be speeded up, but with each a practical limit is soon reached. For example, finger cutting or serrating rates cannot be so high that the lumber is scorched or burnt. Transfer rates for work-in-process between various work stations can be increased, but the difficulty of accurately controlling short sticks or timbers which are literally flying through the equipment is greatly increased. Finally, production can be increased by duplicating equipment to provide parallel production lines, but at an approximate doubling of capital investment in the equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention repesents a departure from prior practice in the finger jointed lumber art both its method and equipment aspects. The heart of the departure lies in novel methods and equipment for handling short timbers, not on a one-at-a-time basis, but on a continuous array basis.

Thus, in accordance with the invention innumerable timbers or short sticks are first arranged in continuous planar or a sheet-like array by being disposed on-edge (their narrower sides) in side-by-side abutting relationship with all of one of the ends of the timbers aligned in a straight edge and the other ends thereof in ofiset or staggered relationship providing an opposed edge or margin of irregular or uneven configuration-due to the varying lengths of said timbers. The aligned or straight margin of the sheet-like or continuous array then passes by cutting means which serrates finger joint grooves in the ends of the timbers in the same fashion as it would if said timbers were a long solid sheet, panel or wide board, One great advantage of this procedure is that there is effectively no spacing or boundary condition" at the ingress and egress of each individual timber to and from the cutting means and, consequently, no fraying or splintering of the edges of the timber ends. During the serrating operation, the integrity of the continuous or sheet-like array is maintained by confining and conveying means, together with control apparatus which senses the alignment of the sticks or timbers composing said array relative to the cutting means and signals and confining and conveying means so as to apply corrective forces in the event of misalignment.

Next, transfer equipment reorganizes the array of short timbers or sticks so that the aforesaid other ends thereof are aligned in a straight edge, and this edge of the reorganized array is moved past second cutting means which serrates or forms the finger grooves in said other ends of said timbers in the same fashion as it would a wide board, long solid panel, or sheet.

The continuous or sheet-like array is once more reorganized by transfer equipment so that the first-cut ends of the timbers are again aligned in a straight edge. Prior to the latter transfer of each stick or timber in the course of this reorganization, glue or other adhesive is applied to its second-cut end. This array is then conveyed through an oven which heats its straight edge, thus storing heat for glue-bonding purposes in the firstcut end of each stick or timber.

Then, the array of short itmbers or sticks is abandoned in favor of a continuous end-to-end array. This is accomplished by transfer equipment adapted to strip timbers transversely from the array and feed them serially lengthwise or linearly through assembly equipment, by means of which, application of differential lengthwise or linear forces to successive timbers mates the hot leading ends thereof with the glue-coated trailing ends of adjacent timbers with sufficient compressive force to provide sound joints.

The continuous end-to-end array of sticks or timbers is thus formed into a unified length of lumber which, in the absence of further processing, would grow to indefinite length. Finally, the continuous piece of lumber is cut, as it moves out of the assembly equipment, by a flying cutoff saw into individual pieces of lumber of selected length.

More specifically, in performing this novel method of finger jointing the ends of lumber, individual timbers or sticks of relatively short length are confined and fed continuously transversely of their longitudinal axes in abutting side-by-side, on-edge relationship to a finger joint or serration shaping step and then are shifted or transferred linearly for confined transverse continuous feeding in said relationship to an identical second shaping step for finger jointing the opposite ends of said timbers, the latter being maintained in right angular or normal relation to their longitudinal axis of travel during said shaping steps to provide right angular or square cuts in said timber ends. After the application of glue or other adhesive to one end heat to the opposite finger jointed ends of each timber, the lumber is assembled end-to-end while being conveyed to a final step of cutting the lumber in desired lengths.

Each of the novel mechanisms for shaping the finger joints or serrations may include a rotary cutter assembly having one or more sets of spaced coacting upright deburring, finger jointing and trimming elements or knives disposed in a transverse arc and in relative close proximilty to one another. The knives of each set are individually adjustable and the deburring, finger jointing and trimming knives engage the lumber independently in continual sequence. Due to the length of its cutting edge, the trimming knife may be provided with auxiliary means for more accurate and positive adjustment thereof. Since the individual timbers are maintained in side-by-side, on-edge abutting relationship during the shaping of the finger joints, the formation of said joints is a continuous operation similar to the cutting of a multiplicity of parallel longitudinally extending grooves in a single board or wooden sheet.

Manifestly, the natural resistance of the lumber to the serration or cutting of the horizontal grooves of the finger joints in the ends of the timbers or sticks causes canting thereof and necessitates positive maintenance of said timbers in right angular or perpendicular relation to the longitudinal axis of said grooves throughout the shaping of said joints. This essential relationsip is obtained by a squaring mechanism adjacent each end shaping mechanism and positioned outboard of holdown means which coacts with the feed conveyor of each end shaping mechanism to prevent displacement of the timbers.

in addition, it is essential to confine the sticks or timbers against longitudinal as well as transverse displacement during the shaping of the finger joint grooves. Means are provided for aligning the inboard ends of the sticks or timbers prior to the shaping thereof and for maintaining said ends in alignment during such shaping. This aligning means includes a guide extending longitudinally of the direction of travel for engagement by the timber ends and overlying driven means for constantly urging the timbers linearly toward the guide so as to maintain said timber ends in contact therewith, which driven means may or may not assist in the advancement of said timbers. Also, it is highly desirable to provide overhead means adapted to ride upon the upper surfaces of the sticks or timbers to prevent, in coaction with the feed conveyor, transverse tilting of said timbers during the travel thereof.

Each squaring mechanism comprises an arm or element pivotal about an axis parallel and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the travelling lumber and disposed at an acute angle thereto. A depending fixed finger or projection of the element is adapted to ride against the exposed top surface of the lumber for transverse engagement in the gaps or opening between contiguous sticks or timbers of different lengths and coacts with an outboard pivoted finger or feeler that also enters said gaps and which is of slightly less downward projection so as to be inoperative when said lumber is in the requisite attitude. Both fingers contact the anterior or leading sides of the timbers whereby the out board pivoted finger is activated only when the contacting timber is out-of-square or misaligned with the transverse axis of the conveyed lumber.

A shoe is mounted adjacent the feelers for riding against the exposed or top surface of the lumber as it is fed to the shaping mechanism for resisting longitudinal canting or misalignment as well as transverse tilting of the individual sticks or timbers upon engagement thereof with the cutter assembly. This shoe is adapted to be forced into more positive engagement with the lumber for aligning or squaring the timbers by suitable pressure means actuated by the activation or swinging movement of the pivotal finger. Although it is preferable for the squaring mechanism to overlie the feed conveyor and the lumber thereon, it is readily apparent that it could underlie said conveyor and lumber and that the fingers and shoe of its arm could be springpressed or otherwise biased upwardly into engagement with said lumber.

For applying glue or other adhesive to one of the serrated or finger jointed ends of each timber, an applicator assembly is mounted between the second shaping mechanism and a conveyor for conducting the sticks or timbers through a heating oven, said timbers being shifted linearly and being fed to this conveyor by a suitable transfer conveyor. The glue applicator assembly includes an upright doctor blade having a longitudinal passage communicating with transverse serrations adapted to receive and spread glue upon the exterior of a parallel rotary brush which is engaged by the aforesaid finger jointed timber ends during the travel of the lumber from the second shaping mechanism to the oven feed conveyor and prior to linear shifting thereof by a transverse conveyor. Means are provided for retractably mounting the applicator assembly to permit disengagement of the brush from the lumber when travel of the latter stops. The finger jointing apparatus has novel means for separating side-by-side abutting timbers prior to the linear assembly thereof in end-toend array of relationship.

A crowder mechanism is provided for the latter step and has coacting pairs of drive and holdback rollers or wheels disposed in opposed relationship for engaging the opposite lateral surfaces or sides of the lumber, and is adapted to exert opposed longitudinal forces thereto for the mating interengagement of contiguous finger jointed or serrated ends of the sticks or timbers while simultaneously feeding said timbers to a cutoff saw. Although the holdback wheels impose a reverse rotative force which is sufiicient to prevent forward travel of the timbers, a counteracting force is applied to said wheels for coacting with the forward rotative force of the drive wheels and thereby converting the reverse force of said holdback wheels to a resisting force, whereby complete or full interengagement of the aforesaid finger jointed ends is ensured.

A construction designed to carry out the invention will be described hereinafter, together with other features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a reduced top plan view of a continuous vertical finger jointing system constructed in accordance with the invention for carrying out the method.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and on an enlarged scale, showing an infeed conveyor assembly, first squaring mechanism,

first transfer conveyor, second shaper mechanism, glue applicator assembly, second transfer conveyor and a portion of the oven feed conveyor assembly.

FIG. 3 is an opposed view, similar to FIG. 2 and taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 1, showing said infeed conveyor assembly, first shaper mechanism, transfer conveyors, second squaring mechanism with its feed conveyor assembly, glue applicator assembly, and a portion of said oven feed conveyor assembly,

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevational view taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 1 and showing the first squaring mechanism,

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side elevational view of said first squaring mechanism swung upwardly in normal operating overriding position,

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 and showing the pivoted finger of said squaring mechanism swung clockwise to actuate said mechanism,

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the lower end portion of said mechanism,

FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view of said squaring mechanism,

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one of the mechanisms for shaping finger joint grooves or serrations in the ends of lumber,

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view showing the deburring knife of said end shaping mechanism in cutting position relative to a timber,

FIG. 11 is a view, similar to FIG. 10 and partly in section, showing the cutting position of the finger jointing knife of said end shaping mechanism,

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 and showing the trimming knife of said end shaping mechanism in cutting position,

FIG. 13 is an enlarged horizontal cross-sectional view showing the transverse contour of the trio of shaping knives,

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the continuous cutting of the finger joint grooves in the ends of .lumber,

FIG. 15 is a broken perspective of a timber having vertical finger joints at its ends,

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a typical finger joint connection between abutting timbers,

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of the glue applicator assembly,

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary side elevational view, partly in section, of the lower portion of the glue applicator asembly and showing the glue passages of its doctor blade,

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary elevational view of a portion of the face of the doctor blade,

FIG. 20 is an enlarged side elevational side of the crowder mechanism,

FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing the hydraulic system of said crowder mechanism,

FIG. 22 is an enlarged top plan view of said crowder mechanism,

FIG. 23 is an opposed view similar to FIG. 20 and taken on the line 23-23 of FIG. 22,

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the sequence of operation of the system, and

FIG. 25 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view, of the glue breaking mechanism, taken on the line 25-25 of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the drawings, the numeral 1 designates the main frame of a novel vertical finger jointing system (FIGS. 1-3 and 24) embodying the principles of the invention and comprising infeed or initial, intermediate or secondary and tertiary or oven feed conveyor assemblies 2, 4, 6 for lumber L (FIG. 14) in abutting side-by-side, on-edge relationship; first and second end shaping mechanisms 3, 5 (FIGS. 9-13) for serrating or cutting finger joints; first and second squaring mechanisms 7, 9 (FIGS. 4-8) for cooperating with the respective end shaping mechanisms 3 and 5 and with the infeed and intermediate feed conveyor assemblies 2, 4; transfer conveyors 8, 10 for shifting the relatively short sticks or timbers T (FIG. 15) of the lumber L linearly between the feed conveyor assemblies, an adhesive or glue applicator assembly 11 (FIGS. 17-19) disposed between the second end shaping mechanism 5 and the tertiary or oven-feed conveyor assembly 6 which has a heating oven 12 associated therewith; a crowder mechanism 13 (FIGS. 20-23) for assembling the adjacent finger jointed or serrated ends (FIG. 16) of said timbers T in mating interengagement and for simultaneously feeding the end-to-end connected timbers to a cutoff saw 14; and a glue breaking mechanism 15 (FIG. 25) between said oven-feed conveyor assembly 6 and crowder mechanism 13 for separating or stripping said abutting side-by-side timbers prior to the linear assembling thereof in end-to-end mating interengagement as shown in FIG. 16.

The main frame 1 may be of any suitable construction and includes a pair of elongate parallel longitudinallyextending base sections or pedestals 16 and 17 disposed in offset or staggered relationship (FIGS. 1-3) and a pair of coextensive overlying or top sections 18 and 19 which are vertically adjustable in accordance with the width of the sticks or timbers. It is noted that the base sections or pedestals of the frame may be secured to each other to provide a unitary structure and that the lead pedestal 16 is slightly anterior of the posterior tail pedestal l7. I-Iollow columns or posts 20, 21 upstand from the ends of each of the pedestals 16, 17 and have elongate longitudinal openings or slots 22 in the upper portions of opposed sides thereof each lead post 20 being offset transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of its pedestal and the aligned other or tail post 21 of said pedestal. As shown in FIG. 1, the adjacent end posts of the pedestals may be disposed in transverse alignment. Each of the top frame sections 18, 19 has upright angular brackets or yokes 23, 24 at their ends for complementary sliding engagement with the sides of the posts 20, 21, and transverse bolts or elements 25 are carried by the yokes for extending through the opposed slots 22 of said posts to adjustably connect said top sections thereto. For supporting the top frame sections in adjusted positions, upright screwthreaded rods 26 have suitable connection (not shown) with the respective transverse elements 25 and project axially upward through the posts and carry head wheels 27 which overlie and bear against the tops of said posts.

The infeed conveyor assembly 2 includes a rectangular relatively wide table 28 anterior of the lead end of the main frame 1 and having a rearwardly inclined slide plate or extension 29 projecting from its ingress end for receiving relatively short timbers or sticks laterally from an endless belt conveyor C which may be disposed transversely of the table, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 1, for conducting the timbers linearly. In accordance with this invention, the timbers rest on their edge or narrower lateral surfaces. A pair of endless drive chain of the flat or leaf type, extends longitudinally of the inner portion of the table 28 with its upper flight overlying said table, and longitudinal parallel rails 31 are disposed outboard of the chains for supporting and conducting the timbers in abutting on edge, side-by-side relationship or solid sheet-like array to the first end shaping mechanism 3. Posteriorly of the chains 30, the table has an adjustable guide rail or fence 32 overlying its inner longitudinal margin for contact by the ends of the timbers. A similar horizontal table 33, shown in FIG. 1 as being of greater width, extends from the tail end of the table 28 in anterior parallel relation to the frame and has longitudinal rails 34 aligned with the rails 31. As shown by the numeral 35, a continuation of the guide fence 32 overlies the inner portion of the egress end of the infeed table and the ingress end of the table 33 and terminates at the end shaping mechanism 3.

For maintaining the posterior or rear ends of the sticks or timbers in contact with the guide fence extenson 35 as well as advancing said timbers, a plurality of downwardly inward inclined parallel rotary brushes 36 extends transversely at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the infeed table 28 in overlying relation to the egress end portions of said table and the infeed conveyor assembly 2 so to engage and urge said timbers linearly rearward. The brushes 36 are supported by a bracket 37 anteriorly mounted on the lead end of the top frame section 18 and are adapted to be rotated by a suitable motor 38 carried by and projecting from the bracket. Also, the brushes coact with the conveyor chains 30 in resisting the tendency of the timbers to tilt transve rsely Coacting lower and upper drive wheels 39, 40 of relatively large diameter are mounted on the pedestal or frame base 16 and the top frame section 18, respectively, at the ingress end portion of the table 33 adjacent its inner margin and are carried by a pair of parallel horizontal shafts, 41 and 42 extending transversely of said frame sections. The drive wheels are adapted to engage and impart transverse travel to the lumber longitudinally of the table 33 and, as shown by the numeral 43 in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pedestal and table are recessed to accommodate the lower drive wheel 39 and its shaft 41. Posterior brackets 44, are provided for rotatably supporting the shafts, with the upper bracket 44 being secured to the top frame section 18 and the lower bracket 45 being adjustably connected to the pedestal 16 for pivotal movement about the horizontal axis of rotation of an adjacent motor 46 mounted on the pedestal posterior.

The shafts 41, 42 carry drive sprockets 47, 48 of relatively large diameter on their respective posterior ends for meshing with an endless chain 49 driven by the motor 46. Above the upper sprocket 48, idler sprockets 50 for the chain 49 are supported at the upper ends of pair of spaced arms 51 upstanding from the ends of the upper bracket 44. From these idlers, the chain is trained around idlers 52, 53 before returning to the motor and lower sprocket 47 (FIG. 3). While the idler 52 is mounted on the top frame section, the idler 53 is suspended above said frame section by one end of another chain 54 that passes over a sprocket 55 supported at the upper end of an upstanding arm 56. An elongate depending weight 57 is suspended from the opposite end of the supporting chain 54 and, preferably, is slidably confined by an upright sleeve 58 mounted on the top frame section 18. Due to this arrangement, the drive chain 49 need not be disconnected since its effective length is varied upon vertical adjustment by the hand wheels 27 of the top frame section 18 relative to the pedestal 16 in accordance with the height of the on-edge timbers. Also, the variable effective length of the drive chain permits adjustment of the elevation of the lower set of drive wheels 39 relative to the table 33 by pivotally moving the lower bracket 45.

For confining the sticks or timbers T against displacement during the cutting of the finger joints .1 in the ends thereof by the end shaping mechanism 3, a pressure head 59 is mounted on the top frame section 18 adjacent and anteriorly of said shaping mechanism as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 and includes an elongate rectangular housing 60 extending longitudinally of the underside of said frame section. A multiplicity of depending pressure-responsive elements 61 are individually suspended by the housing 60 for bearing against the topside of the lumber L and are adapted to undergo reciprocation independently of one another in conformity with slight variations in the height of the on-edge timbers. It is noted that a similar head is shown in US. Pat. No. 2,815,051. Also, an anterior holddown or pressure wheel 62, rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis, is disposed in transverse alignment with the cutter head (described hereinafter) of the end shaping mechanism and outboard of the pressure head for riding on the topside of the lumber to confine the timbers against displacement in coaction with said pressure head as well as the drive wheels 39, 40. For suspending the pressure wheel 62, the top frame section has a suitable bracket 63 secured thereto for vertical adjustment.

FIRST OR ANTERIOR FINGER JOINT SHAPING MECHANISM 3 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the finger joint or serrated end shaping mechanism 3 comprises an upright rectangular housing 64 supported by a pair of spaced angle brackets 65 on the posterior side of the frame base or pedestal 16 so as to project thereabove in opposed relation to the pressure wheel 62. Below the housing 64, a motor 66 for driving this mechanism is mounted on the pedestal by a suitable support 67. Sawdust is adapted to be removed from the housing through an upright posterior duct 68. Referring to FIG. 9, the end shaping mechanism 3 has a cutter head 69 mounted on the upper end portion of an upright arbor or shaft 70 and includes a pair of spaced transverse circular plates or disks 71 fixed to the arbor with an axial cylindrical spacer 72 disposed therebetween. A plurality of vertical posts or rods 73, having nuts 74 on their reduced screwthreaded ends, connects the disks 71 in spaced axial alignment.

As shown by the numerals 75, in FIGS. 9 and 13, six of the rods 73 are disposed in a pair of opposed arcuate sets of three each with the rods of each set being in relatively close relationship. It is noted, however, that only one such set or trio of closely spaced rods may be provided. A single deburring element or knife 77 is fixed on rod 73 of each trio or set in alignment with the top portion of the board, and is in the form of an annular disk having a generally arcuate tapered tooth 78 projecting tangentially from the periphery thereof for engagement with the upper margin of the end of each stick or timber T (FIG. to cut away the burr which forms on the top finger. Due to its relative thickness, it is desirable to buttress the deburring element 77 by means of an underlying member or collar 79 of much greater thickness.

The center rod 73 of each set or trio has a finger jointing assembly or knife 80, of the same transverse or planar contour as the deburring element, secured to the medial portion thereof. Preferably, the knife 80 comprises of a multiplicity of individual elements 81 identical to the element 77, as best illustrated in FIG. 11, with reduced collars or spacers 82 interposed therebetween and a generally arcuate tapered tooth 83 projects tangentially from each element. The exact configuration of the cutting edges of each of the teeth 83 as well as the tooth 78 is subject to variation in accordance with the desired configuration of the serrations. It is readily apparent, however, that the top and bottom faces of each tooth must taper toward its tips in order to permit nesting of the finger jointed ends of the timbers as shown in FIG. 16. Of course, the underside of the lowermost tooth 83 as well as the topside of the tooth 78 need not be tapered since these surfaces do not contact the lumber.

For trimming the ends of the fingers of the joints J, an elongate element or knife 84 is fixed on the clockwise rod 73 of each set or trio and may rest on the bottom disk as shown in FIG. 9. The trimming knife 84 has a coextensive longitudinal blade or continuous tooth 85, of generally arcuate transverse contour, projecting tangentially to a much less extent than the teeth 78 and 83 and is adapted to engage the finger ends of each joint J as illustrated in FIG. 12. If desired, the trimming knife may be maintained more positively in adjusted positions by an abutment block set screw assembly 86 mounted on the bottom disk 71 of the cutter head 69 and, as shown, may be provided with a pair of opposed teeth 85.

FIRST OR ANTERIOR SQUARING MECHANISM Again referring to FIGS. 4-8, the squaring mechanism includes an elongate substantially horizontal tubular member or bar 87 projecting perpendicularly and anteriorly from the tail end portion of the upper drive wheel and sprocket supporting bracket 44 and having an upright mounting plate 88 fastened to said bracket anterior for vertical adjustment. A collar 89, having a pair of lateral ears or lugs 90 projecting substantially horizontally rearward therefrom, is slidably mounted on the elongate horizontal bar 87 in relative widely spaced relation to the bracket and carries a relatively large set screw 91 for securement in adjusted positions. The cars 90 of the collar 89 are apertured for receiving a pivot pin 92 from which an elongate inclined tubular element or arm 93 depends rearwardly to a point contiguous the topside of the lumber L supported by the rails 34 of the table 33. Downward pivotal movement of the elongate inclined arm 93 is limited by an upwardly projecting set screw 94 carried by a rearwardly inclined bar 95 which depends from the collar in underlying relation to the upper end portion of said arm. An upright depending rectangular finger or feeler 96 (FIGS. 7 and 8) is fixed to the posterior of the lower end of the elongate inclined arm and has an upward rearwardly inclined end face 97 on its downwardly projecting reduced lower end portion 98 to facilitate engagement in the gaps or openings between abutting sticks or timbers. As shown by the numeral 99, the lower end of the inclined arm 93, has pivotally attached thereto an anterior finger or feeler 100 that is similar to and of less length than the feeler 96, that is formed with similar upper and lower extremities 101 and 102 of reduced width and that is provided with inclined end faces I03 identical to the end face 97.

The feeler 96 is adapted to ride upon the exposed top surface of the lumber L so as to enter and engage in the gaps or openings between abutting sticks or timbers T of different lengths, while said lumber clears the pivoted finger 100. As illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the downward projection of the pivotal outboard feeler 100 is slightly less than that of the relatively fixed inboard feeler 96 so as to remain stationary when the longitudinal axes of the sticks or timbers are perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the knives of the cutter head 69. Within the gaps, the leading sides of the timbers contact the upright flat leading sides of the reduced lower end portions or extremities 98, 102 of the feelers whereby the outboard pivoted feeler is swung clockwise or rearwardly only when the contacting timber is out-of-square or misaligned with the transverse axis of the converyor of assembly 2.

For coacting with the feelers 96, 100, an inclined shoe 104 is disposed ahead and inboard thereof and is in the form of an elongate rectangular member extending longitudinally of the table 33 and having a rounded rear toe or tail end 105 (FIGS. 4 and 6) depending rearwardly of said feelers. A longitudinal arcuate sole or leaf spring 106 is substantially coextensive with the underside of the shoe 104 for resiliently bearing against the topside of the lumber and has its ends welded or otherwise secured to the ends of said shoe underside. As shown at 107, the forward or leading end of the shoe is pivotally attached to the lower end of an upright bar or leg 108 which is fastened contiguous the bracket 44 (FIG. 4) to the anterior of the top frame section 18 for vertical adjustment.

The shoe 104 is adapted to be forced downwardly counterclockwise into more positive engagement with the lumber L by the depending piston rod 109 (FIGS. 4 and 50 of an upright hydraulic or pressure fluid cylinder 110, when the outboard feeler or finger 100 is pivoted clockwise by an out-of-square or misaligned stick or timber as illustrated in FIG. 6, so as to resist travel of such timber and permit realignment thereof by the oncoming lumber which is advanced by the drive wheels 39, 40. As shown at 111 in FIG. 5, the lower extremity of the piston rod 109 is pivotally attached to the toe or trailing end portion 105 of the shoe. The cylinder 1 10 is pivotally suspended by its upper end cap 112 (FIG. 4) from a horizontal leg 113 projecting rearwardly from the upper end of the upright bar 108 and this end cap communicates with an air or pressure fluid line 114. A pressure gauge 115 may be, and an adjustable inlet valve 116 is, connected in the line 114 adjacent the cylinder; and an adjustable outlet valve 117 is interposed between the guage and inlet valve to exhaust excessive air or pressure fluid from the cylinder. The inlet valve regulates the flow to the cylinder I10 and the outlet valve constantly bleeds fluid from said cylinder at a slower rate whereby, when the travel of the lumber L is interrupted and the shoe 104 is free to pivot downwardly to its lowermost position, the pressure within said cylinder drops to zero and no downward force is exerted by its piston rod against said shoe.

As is best illustrated in FIG. 7, a control valve 1 18 for actuating the cylinder 1 10 is mounted adjacently above the outboard pivoted finger or feeler 100 on the tail end of a substantially horizontal arm 119 that extends rearwardly from the lower portion of the elongate inclined element 93 and has its rearwardly projecting spring-pressed plunger or stem 120 in contact with the leading side of the upper reduced extremity 101 of said feeler.

The valve 118 communicates with the end of the line 114 opposite the cylinder for controlling, in coaction with the inlet and outlet valves 1 16 and 117, the flow of air or other fluid under pressure supplied to said cylinder, and a pressure fluid supply line 121 is connected to said control valve.

Upon clockwise pivoting of the feeler 100 (FIG. 6) by a misaligned stick or timber, its upper extremity 101 depresses the valve plunger 120 so as to impart opening movement to the control valve and increase the flow through the line 114 to the cylinder 110 whereby its piston rod 109 is ejected to apply greater downward force to the shoe 104. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper extremity of the pivoted feeler carries a set screw 122 for engagement with the rear end of the arm 119 to limit clockwise movement of said feeler relative to the elongate inclined element 93 and prevent possible damaging of the valve 118. When the feeler 100 pivots counterclockwise upon realignment or squaring of the sticks or timbers, the valve plunger returns to its outboard position and permits closing movement of the control valve whereby its flow area is reduced to zero.

SECOND OR POSTERIOR END SHAPING AND SQUARING MECHANISMS AND 9 Due to the identicalness of the finger joint or serration shaping mechanisms 3, 5 and the squaring mechanisms 7, 9 except for their anterior and posterior relationships, the structures of the mechanisms 5, 9 need not be described in detail. Reference is made, however, to the foregoing description of the anterior mechanisms 3, 7 including FIGS. 1-12 as well as to the relationship of the posterior mechanisms 5, 9 to the intermediate conveyor assembly 4, the transfer conveyors 8 and 10 and the posterior base or pedestal 17 and top frame section 19 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. As should be readily apparent, the transfer conveyor 8 is disposed'transversely of and between the tail end portions of the anterior base or pedestal l6 and top frame section 18 for moving the sticks or timbers T linearly from the egress portion of the table 33 onto the ingress portion of the intermediate feed conveyor assembly 4 which is similar to the infeed conveyor assembly 2 and which has an idler guide wheel 123, a pair of similar endless chains 124 and tables 125 and 126 positioned in the same relationship. The guide wheel 123, which is rotatable about an upright axis (FIGS. 1 and 2) and suitably mounted ahead of the lead end of the posterior frame sections, is adapted to be engaged by the anterior ends of the timbers advanced by the feed conveyor 2.

Reverse but similar transverse or linear travel is imparted to the timbers between the respective egress and ingress portions of the table 126 and tertiary or ovenfeed conveyor assembly 16 by the transfer conveyor 10 which is similarly mounted between the tail end portions of the posterior frame sections. It is noted that the intermediate conveyor assembly is disposed posteriorly or to the right (FIG. 1) of the main frame 1 and overlaps the respective tail and lead end portions of its anterior and posterior sections, being arranged to feed the lumber longitudinally of the table onto the table 126 to permit the formation of serrations or finger joints by the end shaping mechanism 5 in the extremities of the sticks or timbers opposite the finger jointed or serrated extremities of the sticks or timbers opposite the finger jointed or serrated extremities shaped by the anterior end shaping mechanism 3.

For coacting with the endless chains 124 and maintaining the timbers in upright on-edge condition, an overhead endless conveyor 127 (FIG. 3) extends in spaced vertical alignment with the inner longitudinal marginal portion of the table 125. Preferably, this conveyor is of the brush type and has a pair of spaced longitudinal sections like the latter chains. The posterior end shaping mechanism is mounted on the anterior side of the posterior pedestal or frame base 18 and includes a housing 128 and sawdust removal duct 129 substantially identical to the housing 64 and duct 68 of the anterior end shaping mechanism 3. Interposed between the mechanism 5 and the egress portion of the table 125, posterior coacting upper and lower drive wheels 130 (FIG. 3) are mounted on horizontal transverse shafts 131 which are supported by brackets 132, 133 (FIG. 2) carried on the posterior frame sections 17, 19. The pedestal 17 is recessed in the same manner as the pedestal 16 for accommodating the lower drive wheel and permitting limited vertical adjustment thereof. Sprockets 134 are mounted on the anterior ends of the shafts 131 and are driven by a suitable motor 135 and chain assembly 136 which includes idler sprockets 137 and weight means 138. Manifestly, the foregoing may be substantially identical to the drive wheels 39, 40, shafts 41, 42, brackets 44, 45 and motor 46 as well as the arrangement of the chain 49 and the idler sprockets 50, 52, 53 and weight means 54-58 (FIG. 3) associated therewith.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the end shaping mechanism 5 has a coacting holddown or pressure head 139, similar to the pressure head 59, disposed contiguous and posteriorly thereof for confining the sticks or timbers during the cutting of the finger joints in their ante rior ends. Also, a holddown or pressure wheel 140, similar to the wheel 162, is adapted to coact with the pressure head 139. Although the cutter head of this mechanism is not shown, its drive motor 141 and the supporting brackets 142 for its housing 128 are illustrated in FIG. 2.

As shown at 143 in FIG. 3, a guide rail or fence extends longitudinally of the inner margin of the table 126 for engagement by the anterior ends of the timbers. In order to maintain the anterior or front ends of the sticks or timbers in contact with the fence 143, a suitably driven wheel 144 (FIGS. 1 and 3) is mounted between the overhead conveyor 127 and upper drive wheel 130 for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis perpendicular to the shaft 131 of said wheel so as to engage and urge said timbers linearly inboard toward the fence.

TRANSFER CONVEYORS 8 AND 10 Each of the cross-over or transfer conveyors comprises an endless belt 145, of appreciable width, trained around a pair of spaced upright pulleys 146 mounted on upright shafts 147 which are disposed on opposite sides of and suitably supported by the frame sections 16-19. As shown at 148 in FIG. 3, one of the shafts 147 of each of the conveyors 8, is adapted to be driven by an underlying motor. Preferably, an upright, a substantially C-shaped housing 140 encloses the end portons and rear or tail flight of the belt 145 of each conveyor, the front or lead flight of which is engaged by the leading sides of the sticks or timbers so as to impart linear movement thereto crosswise of the frame in the usual manner.

GLUE APPLICATOR ASSEMBLY 11 This assembly comprises an upright rotary brush 150 (FIGS. 1-3 and 17-19) posteriorly adjacent the frame sections 17, 19 and in close proximity to the down travel side of the housing 128 of the end shaping mechanism 5 for contact with the serrated or finger jointed ends J of the timbers or sticks T so as to spread glue or other adhesive thereon. An upright standard or leg 151 for supporting the applicator assembly 11 has its lower end pivotally attached, as shown at 152 in FIG. 2, to the anterior of the lower portion of the base frame or pedestal 17 and extends to the upper portion of the top frame section 19, being actuated by suitable pneumatic or hydraulic means 153 (FIG. 17) whenever it is desired to retract the brush from operative position, such as when the travel of the lumber L stops. The leg 151 has a block 154, of greater length than width, projecting laterally inward from its upper end, and a upright shaft 155 is journalled in and suspended from the inner end portion of the block for rotatably supporting the brush 150. A pulley 156 is fixed on the upper end of the shaft 155 and is driven by and endless belt 157 which is trained over the drive pulley 158 of a suitable motor 159 mounted on a lateral inwardly projecting extension 160 at the upper end of the upright leg.

Glue or other suitable adhesive is adapted to applied to the brush by an upright doctor blade or block 161 mounted between the leg 151 and brush by screws 162 (FIG. 18) on an upright angular bracket 163 which is suspended from the block 154. A passage 164 extends longitudinally of the doctor blade 161 and its lower end communicates with a line 165 (FIG. 18) which leads from the pump 166 of a glue pot or reservoir 167 (FIGS. 2 and 3) for conducting glue to an upright row of horizontal fingers or serrations 168 which extend posteriorly from the passage into engagement with the peripheral portion of the brush 150. Ports 169 (FIGS. 18 and 19) are disposed between the fingers 168 in communication with the passage 164 and the spaces between said fingers. Preferably, an upright guard or shield 170, arcuate in plan, is secured to the trailing side of the bracket 163 in close proximity to the trailing portions of the fingers and brush to prevent undesirable spattering of the glue, and excess glue is collected by a screened funnel 171 which underlies the brush 150 and drains through a return hose 172 into the glue pot 167. It is noted that the glue brush is rotated by the motor 159, belt 157 and pulleys 156 and 158 in a direction opposite to the travel of the lumber.

HEATING OVEN 12 Since the heating oven (FIGS. 1-3) is more or less conventional, it has not been illustrated in detail. Obviously, the function of the oven 12 is to warm the posterior finger jointed ends 1 of the lumber L sufiiciently to ensure positive bonding thereof to the glue-coated anterior serrated ends of said lumber when said ends are abutted. The oven-feed conveyor 6 conducts the sticks or timbers T through the oven in side-by-side relationship and includes a table 173 similar to the tables 28, 33, 125, 126, a pair of endless lower chains 174 similar to the chains 30, 124, an overhead endless brush-type conveyor 127 for coacting with the chains 174, and an inboard overhead endless chain 176 (FIG. 25) having enlarged circular end plates 177 for bearing against the top surfaces of the timbers. It is noted that the brush conveyor and overhead chain 176 overlie only the inboard lower chain and that both said overhead and lower inboard chains terminate short of the other or outboard lower chain. Preferably, the table 173 is provided with longitudinal rails 178 similar to the table rails 31, 34.

GLUE BREAKING MECHANISM Due to the application of glue to the anterior or front ends of the timbers, there is a marked tendency for adjacent sticks or timbers to adhere to one another. For separating adjacent timbers, the glue breaking mechanism may comprise an overhead pivotally mounted pressure wheel 179 (FIG. 25) rotatable about a horizontal axis at the tail end of the overhead chain 176 in parallel relation to the longitudinal axis of said chain and is held in adjusted positions by suitable hydraulic or pneumatic means 180. Preferably, an adjustable stop 181 overlies the wheel 179 so as to limit upward displacement thereof. For coacting with the downward thrust of the pressure wheel, the tail ends of the rails 178 have inclined raised portions or ramps 182 which terminate approximately in vertical alignment with the axis of said wheel. Manifestly, the timbers are jarred or vibrated sufficiently to break adhesion between adjacent timbers or sticks when the latter abruptly drop from the ramps 182 to the table 173.

A cross-over or transfer conveyor 183, similar to the conveyors 8 and 10 and having a similar endless belt movable about upright axes, overlap and extends posteriorly lateral from the tail end of the table 173 (FIG. 1) so as to overlap the pressure wheel for shifting the sticks or timbers individually and linearly in end-to-end relationshop or longitudinally aligned array from said table onto a suitable elongate horizontal narrow plate or support 184. The latter is disposed between the trailing portion of the periphery of the wheel 179 and the inner flight of the belt conveyor and projects transversely from the table to the crowder mechanism 13 with its upper surface substantially flush with the top of said table. For coacting with the belt conveyor 183, a pair of upper and lower chain-like endless conveyors 185 extends longitudinally thereof and have horizontal flights in vertical alignment with the support 184. As shown in FIG. 25, these chain-like conveyors have transverse teeth-like links or projections for gripping the timbers and which taper laterally outward away from the belt conveyor. The upper flight of the lower toothed conveyor 185 is disposed substantially in the plane of the elongate support so as to form a part thereof, and both of said toothed conveyors overlap the pressure wheel. An endless chain 186, of the flat or leaf type and having upright flights in longitudinal alignment with the flights of the belt conveyor 183, extends between the latter and the crowder mechanism for coacting with an opposed parallel brush-type conveyor 187 which is of greater length whereby its lead portion overlaps the tail portions of said belt conveyor and the toothed conveyors 185. It is readily apparent that the endless chain 186 and brush conveyor 187 coact to impart linear movement to the sticks or timbers and that the coacting pair of upper and lower toothed conveyors perform such function as well as assist in the separation or stripping of adjacent sticks or timbers from each other.

CROWDER MECHANISM 13 As most clearly shown in FIGS. 20, 22 and 23, the crowder mechanism includes a rectangular open frame 190 of greater length than width and having a pair of parallel, horizontal, longitudinal side members or bars 191 connected by a pair of similar transverse end members or bars 192. Inclined supporting legs or standards 193 depend longitudinally inward from the comers of the frame 190 in vertical alignment with the longitudinal side members 191 which have their media] portions connected by an overlying, rectangular top plate 194 and to the lower inner portions of legs 193 by a pair of upright, generally rectangular side plates 195 of the same appreciable longitudinal width as the top plate. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 25, the support 184 is adapted to project over the medial portion of the lead end frame member 192 so as to overlie the ingress end portion of the mechanism 13. A pair of spaced parallel guide members or rails 196 extends longitudinally of the medial portion of the frame top plate 194 to provide a track in alignment with the aforesaid support for receiving and confining against lateral displacement the sticks or timbers fed linearly by the conveyors 183, 185, 186, 187, and these rails are of a length greater than the longitudinal width of said top plate so as to project beyond its transverse margins.

A pair of drive rolls or wheels 197, 198 is mounted at the ingress portion of the crowder mechanism above and between the lead end frame member and the lead margin of the top frame plate in spaced relation to the ends of the support 184 and guide rails 196, and each drive wheel is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to said frame member and plate in the substantially horizontal plane of said guide rails. For coacting with the drive wheels 197, 198 and resisting advancement of the linearly aligned sticks or timbers so as to ensure positive bonding of the serrated ends of adjacent timbers, the mechanism 13 is provided with a pair of substan' tially identical holdback rolls or wheels 199, 200 positioned in the same manner at its egress portion between the tail frame member 191 and the tail margin of the top plate 194. Preferably, the wheels 197-200 have pneumatic tires and the contiguous portions of the peripheries of each pair are spaced apart a distance slightly less than the width of the timbers so as to positively grip the latter therebetween, these spaces being aligned with the aforesaid support and the track between the guide rails.

For individually adjusting the elevation of the plane of rotation of the drive and holdback wheels, an upright screwthreaded rod 201 is provided for each of said wheels and carries a hand wheel 202 which overlies and bears against the top of a hollow column or post 203 (FIGS. and 23) mounted on and upstanding from the frame top plate adjacent each wheel. Although not illustrated, each rod 201 depends through its post 203 and has pivotal connection with rotary drive means 204 provided for each of the wheels 197-200 whereby each wheel and its drive means are free to swing about the axis of its adjusting rod. Hydraulic means 205, such as a cylinder and-piston as shown in FIGS. 1 and 22, is pivotally connected to the drive means 204 of each pair 107, 198 and 199, 200 of the wheels for urging each pair of wheels transversely inward toward each other for positively gripping the sticks or timbers therebetween and permitting variation of the space between the adjacent portions of their peripheries in accordance with the thickness of said timbers. One of the guide rails 196 is adjustably mounted on the top plate 194 by a pair of parallel spaced links 206 (FIGS. 20 and 23) having their ends pivotally attached to said plate and rail for swinging movement about upright axes. I-Iydraulic means 207 pivotally connects the inner end portion of one of the links 206 to the top plate for urging the adjustable rail toward the other rail and accommodating varying thickness of lumber therebetween.

The rotary drive means 204 are of the hydraulic type and are driven by a variable volume pump 210 in coacting directions so as to impart counterclockwise movement to the wheels 197, 200- and clockwise movement to the wheels 198, 199, as shown by the arrows CA and B in FIG. 21, whereby the pressure developed by the pump exerts opposed equal forces A" and B upon the linearly aligned lumber and thereby completes the mating engagement of the serrated ends of adjacent sticks or timbers between or intermediate the drive and holdback wheels. Hydraulic fluid is withdrawn from a suitable reservoir 211 through a line 212 and delivered under pressure by the pump 210 to the drive means of the drive wheels through lines 213, 214 and to the drive means of the holdback wheels through lines 215, 216. From the drive wheel means, the pressure fluid is returned to the reservoir 211 by lines 217, 218. A variable volume pressure compensating pump 219 exerts drive force C" in the form of fluid under pressure sufficient to overcome the force B through lines 220, 221 to the holdback wheel drive means so as to rotate the wheels 199, 200 in opposite directions as shown by the arrows C. The line 220 may have a check valve 222 mounted therein to prevent backflow.

Due to the greater pressure of the force C," the fluid flows from the holdback wheel drive means through thelines 216, 215 to the line 213 (arrow C) and then through the lines 214 (arrows CA) to the drive wheel drive means so as to assist the force A" in rotating the drive wheels 197, 198 to advance the mated timbers or sticks. Thus the force B merely resists the feed of the lumber by reducing the speed of rotation of the holdback wheels 199, 21 1 below that of the drive wheels. Of course, actual flow through the line 215 is from the lines 216 to the line 213 because of the greater pressure of the force C," and it is noted that the main source of pressure supplied by said lines 216 is due to the force "B" being transferred to the holdback wheels whereby the rotary drive means functions as pumps. A suitable motor 223 (FIGS. 22 and 23) is provided for driving both of the pumps 210, 219.

CUTOFF SAW 14 AND MISCELLANEQUS The details of the cutofi saw are not disclosed because its specific structure forms no part of the present invention however, it may include an upright rectangular frame 188 extending posteriorly. longitudinally from the tail end of the crowder mechanism 13 and a complementary housing 189. As shown at 208 in FIGS. 20, 22 and 23, a flat horizontal plate or shelf projects posteriorly from the medial portion of the tail end member 192 of the crowder frame for connection with the saw frame 188 or saw housing 189 and, as shown in FIG. 1, a pair of medial guide rails 209 extend longitudinally of said frame and housing so as to project beyond the lead and tail ends thereof in overlying relation to the shelf 208 and an elongate narrow lumber support or table 224 of said frame. The space between the guide rails 209 is in longitudinal alignment with the space between the guide rails 196 and, in a similar manner, the width of the former space may adjust to the thickness of the lumber therebetween.

A pair of opposed guide rollers or wheels 225, rotatable about upright axes, may be mounted on the tail extension of the saw table 224 contiguous the tail end of its guide rails for engagement by the sides of the connected sticks or timbers. Suitable means (not shown) is provided for activating the saw 14 at predetermined intervals to cut the lumber is desired lengths. A suitable elongate cylindrical conveyor 226, having radial blades or vanes and rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis, is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cutoff saw for receiving the timbers of sticks from the table 224 of said saw and directing the same laterally to suitable conveying means.

SEQUENCE OF OPERATION For controlling the cutoff saw 114 to determine the length of the processed lumber a suitable counter 227 (FIGS. 1 and 24) is provided and may comprise an upright wheel 228 (FIGS. 22 and 23) rotatable in the longitudinal vertical plane of the joined sticks or timbers and supported by bracket means 229 on the shelf 208 between the crowder mechanism 13 and cutofi saw for pivotal movement in said plane about a substantially horizontal transverse axis for riding upon the upper surfaces of said timbers. Although not shown, the counter 227 includes an electrical contact (Sequence No. L, FIG. 24) for preventing stoppage of the crowder mechanism if subsequent activation of the cutoff saw is within the predetermined dimension set in said counter. Sequence No. ll involves a zero speed switch 230, having a pivoted roller 231 for riding engagement on the aligned timbers, mounted immediately ahead of the mechanism 13 for stopping rotation of its wheels 197-200 in the event that a finger joint fails to make in said mechanism.

A minimum crowder build-up limit switch 232 (Sequence No. Ill) is located on the oven-feed conveyor assembly 6 for halting the crowder mechanism if said conveyor assembly fails to receive an adequate supply of lumber from the second shaping mechanism and has a pivoted roller 233 for engagement with the undersides of the timbers or sticks. in Sequence No. IV, a speed control device 234 mounted on the posterior or second shaping mechanism is actuated by a maximum shaper build-up limit switch 235 to slow the feed of lumber thereto until the feed to the mechanism 13 is again in demand and then to accelerate the shaper feed speed. The maximum shaper build-up limit switch 235 is located on the oven-feed conveyor assembly with its pivoted roller 236 riding against the underside of the lumber. When the second cross-over belt or transfer conveyor which is disposed between the posterior shaping mechanism and the oven 12, is at maximum load capacity, operation of said conveyor is stopped by its limit switch 237 which comprises Sequence No. V.

Minimum shaper build-up limit switch 238 of Sequence No. Vl, having a pivoted roller 239 for engagement with the underside of lumber, is mounted on the feed conveyor assembly 4 and is adapted to halt operation of the second cross-over conveyor by decreasing the speed of the control device 234 until the second shaping mechanism 5 has an adequate supply of lumber. Sequence No. V1] is similar to Sequence No. VI in that it includes a similar maximum shaper build-up limit switch 240 for actuating a speed control device 241, similar to the device 234 and located at the first shaping mechanism 3, to slow said mechanism until the second shaping mechanism reduces the build-up of the lumber and the control device 241 increases the feed speed to said first shaping mechanism. The maximum build-up limit switch 240 has a pivoted roller 242 for riding against the underside of the lumber in the same manner as the roller 236. A limit switch 243, similar to the limit switch 237 of the belt 10 and forming an essential portion of Sequence No. VIII is arranged to stop operation of the first shaping mechanism when no lumber is supplied by the first cross-over belt or transfer conveyor 8. Sequence No. IX comprises a minimum shaper build-up limit switch 244, having a pivoted roller 245 for bearing against the underside of the lumber, is provided for preventing operation of the first shaping mechanism 3 until an adequate supply of lumber is fed thereto by the infeed-conveyor 2.

The foregoing description of the invention is explanatory thereof and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction may be made, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention. We claim: 1. The method of forming vertical finger jointed lumber from a plurality of short sticks having substantially uniform width and thickness and usually of nonuniform length comprising positioning the sticks in a continuous sheet-like array in which said sticks are in side-by-side engagement and rest on their narrower surfaces with first ends thereof aligned in a first substantially straight edge,

efi'ecting relative movement between the stick array and finger groove shaping means along the first substantially straight edge to cut serrations in the first end of each stick,

again reorganizing said array to again align the first ends of said sticks in a third substantially straight edge,

heating said first ends of said sticks while aligned in said third substantially straight edge,

applying adhesive to the second ends of said sticks,

stripping said sticks having heated first ends and adhesive coated second ends from said array serially and endwise, conveying said sticks in a substantially linear array away from said continuous sheet-like array,

joining and pressing together successive sticks moving in the linear array to mate heated and adhesive coated serrated ends of contiguous sticks to form bonded joints therebetween,

and cutting finger jointed lumber of selected lengths from the portion of said moving linear array having bonded joints between contiguous sticks.

2. Apparatus for fonning vertical finger joint grooves in a plurality of short sticks of lumber of substantially uniform width and thickness and usually of nonuniform length comprising a support conveyor for receiving and carrying a plurality of sticks in a sheet-like array in which the sticks are arranged in side-by-side relationship and rest on their narrower surfaces with first ends thereof aligned in a substantially straight edge,

said sheet-like array of sticks being carried by the conveyor in a direction transverse of their lengths,

alignment means for orienting said sticks in the sheetlike array with their first ends in alignment,

groove shaping means adapted to cut parallel serrations in said first ends, the serrations extending in a direction along said substantially straight edge,

the alignment means including a fence extending longitudinally of the inboard margin of the support conveyor,

and movable brush means drivingly mounted above said conveyor in position to exert a sweeping force on said sheetlike array of sticks moving along said conveyor, said force having a component in a direction toward the fence.

3. Apparatus for forming vertical finger joint grooves in a plurality of short sticks of lumber of substantially uniform width and thickness and usually of nonuniform length comprising a support conveyor for receiving and carrying a plurality of sticks in a sheet-like array in which the sticks are arranged in side-by-side engaging relationship and rest on their narrower surfaces with first ends thereof aligned in a substantially straight edge,

said sheet-like array of sticks being carried by the conveyor in a direction transverse of their lengths,

alignment means for orienting said sticks in the sheetlike array with their first ends in alignment,

groove shaping means adapted to cut parallel serrations in said first ends, the serrations extending in a direction along said substantially straight edge,

holddown means extending longitudinally of the support conveyor adjacent the groove shaping means and adapted to exert a clamping force urging the sheet-like array of sticks against said conveyor,

and pressure means overlying said conveyor at a point displaced transversely from said groove shaping means in position to exert a force urging said sheet-like array of sticks against said conveyor.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 including control meeans sensing departure of sticks on the support conveyor from orthogonal relationship with said groove shaping means for altering the force applied to said sticks by the pressure ,means in a direction tending to restore said orthogonality.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the alignment means includes a fence extending longitudinally of the inboard margin of the support conveyor,

and movable brush means drivingly mounted above said conveyor in position to exert a sweeping force on sticks moving along said conveyor, said fence having a component in a direction toward the fence.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the control means comprises arm means pivotally mounted above the support conveyor on an axis transverse thereof and disposed at an upright acute angle thereto,

the arm means having a pair of transversely spaced feelers adapted to ride on the surface of sticks moving along said conveyor,

one of the feelers being fixed relative to said arm and the other being movable with respect thereto in a direction longitudinally of said conveyor,

20 and control signal generating means connected to and operative upon movement of said movable feeler. 7. Apparatus for forming vertical finger joint grooves 5 in a plurality of short sticks of lumber of substantially uniform width and thickness and usually of nonuniform length comprising a support conveyor for receiving and carrying a pin rality of sticks in a sheet-like array in which the sticks are arranged in side-by-side engaging relationship and rest on their narrower surfaces with first ends thereof aligned in a substantially straight edge, said sheet-like array of sticks being carried by the conveyor in a direction transverse of their lengths,

alignment means for orienting said sticks in the sheetlike array with their first ends in alignment,

groove shaping means adapted to cut parallel serrations in said first ends, the serrations extending in a direction along said substantially straight edge,

the alignment means including fence means extending longitudinally of the inboard margin of the support conveyor,

and drive means overlying said conveyor for exerting a sweeping force on said sheet-like array of sticks moving along said conveyor, said force having a component in a direction toward the fence means.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 7 including control means sensing departure of sticks on the support conveyor from orthogonal relationship with said groove shaping means for altering the force applied to said sticks by the drive means in a direction tending to restore said orthogonality.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein the control means comprises arm means pivotally mounted above the support conveyor on an axis transverse thereof and disposed at an upright acute angle thereto,

the arms means having a pair of transversely spaced feelers adapted to ride on the surface of sticks moving along said conveyor,

one of the feelers being fixed relative to said arm and the other being moveable with respect thereto in a direction longitudinally of said conveyor,

and control signal generating means connected to and operative upon movement of said movable feeler. 10. The method of forming finger joint grooves in a plurality of short sticks of lumber of substantially uniform width and thickness comprising arranging the sticks in side-by-side engaging relationship on their narrower surfaces into a sheet-like array in which first ends of said sticks are aligned in a substantially straight edge,

conveying the sheet-like array of sticks past finger groove shaping means along the substantially straight edge to cut serrations in the first end of each stick,

maintaining said sticks of said sheet-like array against displacement relative to one another and to the finger groove shaping means during the cutting of the serrations, and sensing departure of sticks in the sheet-like array from orthogonal relationship with the finger groove shaping means for altering the force, which is applied to said sticks for maintaining them against relative displacement, in a direction tending to restore the orthogonality of said sticks.

. 1 l i i i 

1. The method of forming vertical finger jointed lumber from a plurality of short sticks having substantially uniform width and thickness and usually of nonuniform length comprising positioning the sticks in a continuous sheet-like array in which said sticks are in side-by-side engagement and rest on their narrower surfaces with first ends thereof aligned in a first substantially straight edge, effecting relative movement between the stick array and finger groove shaping means along the first substantially straight edge to cut serrations in the first end of each stick, again reorganizing said array to again align the first ends of said sticks in a third substantially straight edge, heating said first ends of said sticks while aligned in said third substantially straight edge, applying adhesive to the second ends of said sticks, stripping said sticks having heated first ends and adhesive coated second ends from said array serially and endwise, conveying said sticks in a substantially linear array away from said continuous sheet-like array, joining and pressing together successive sticks moving in the linear array to mate heated and adhesive coated serrated ends of contiguous sticks to form bonded joints therebetween, and cutting finger jointed lumber of selected lengths from the portion of said moving linear array having bonded joints between contiguous sticks.
 2. Apparatus for forming vertical finger joint grooves in a plurality of short sticks of lumber of substantially uniform width and thickness and usually of nonuniform length comprising a support conveyor for receiving and carrying a plurality of sticks in a sheet-like array in which the sticks are arranged in side-by-side relationship and rest on their narrower surfaces with first ends thereof aligned in a substantially straight edge, said sheet-like array of sticks being carried by the conveyor in a direction transverse of their lengths, alignment means for orienting said sticks in the sheetlike array with their first ends in alignment, groove shaping means adapted to cut parallel serrations in said first ends, the serrations extending in a direction along said substantially straight edge, the alignment means including a fence extending longitudinally of the inboard margin of the support conveyor, and movable brush means drivingly mounted above said conveyor in position to exert a sweeping force on said sheetlike array of sticks moving along said conveyor, said force having a component in a direction toward the fence.
 3. Apparatus for forming vertical finger joint grooves in a plurality of short sticks of lumber of substantially uniform width and thickness and usually of nonuniform length comprising a support conveyor for receiving and carrying a plurality of sticks in a sheet-like array in which the sticks are arranged in side-by-side engaging relationship and rest on their narrower surfaces with first ends thereof aligned in a substantially straight edge, said sheet-like array of sticks being carried by the conveyor in a direction transverse of their lengths, alignment means for orienting said sticks in the sheet-like array with their first ends in alignment, groove shaping means adapted to cut parallel serrations in said first ends, the serrations extending in a direction along said substantially straight edge, holddown means extending longitudinally of the support conveyor adjacent the groove shaping means and adapted to exert a clamping force urging the sheet-like array of sticks against said conveyor, and pressure means overlying said conveyor at a point displaced transversely from said groove shaping means in position to exert a force urging said sheet-like array of sticks against said conveyor.
 4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 including control meeans sensing departure of sticks on the support conveyor from orthogonal relationship with said groove shaping means for altering the force applied to said sticks by the pressure means in a direction tending to restore said orthogonality.
 5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the alignment means includes a fence extending longitudinally of the inboard margin of the support conveyor, and movable brush means drivingly mounted above said conveyor in position to exert a sweeping force on sticks moving along said conveyor, said fence having a component in a direction toward the fence.
 6. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the control means comprises arm means pivotally mounted above the support conveyor on an axis transverse thereof and disposed at an upright acute angle thereto, the arm means having a pair of transversely spaced feelers adapted to ride on the surface of sticks moving along said conveyor, one of the feelers being fixed relative to said arm and the other being movable with respect thereto in a direction longitudinally of said conveyor, and control signal generating means connected to and operative upon movement of said movable feeler.
 7. Apparatus for forming vertical finger joint grooves in a plurality of short sticks of lumber of substantially uniform width and thickness and usually of nonuniform length comprising a support conveyor for receiving and carrying a plurality of sticks in a sheet-like array in which the sticks are arranged in side-by-side engaging relationship and rest on their narrower surfaces with first ends thereof aligned in a substantially straight edge, said sheet-like array of sticks being carried by the conveyor in a direction transverse of their lengths, alignment means for orienting said sticks in the sheetlikE array with their first ends in alignment, groove shaping means adapted to cut parallel serrations in said first ends, the serrations extending in a direction along said substantially straight edge, the alignment means including fence means extending longitudinally of the inboard margin of the support conveyor, and drive means overlying said conveyor for exerting a sweeping force on said sheet-like array of sticks moving along said conveyor, said force having a component in a direction toward the fence means.
 8. Apparatus as defined in claim 7 including control means sensing departure of sticks on the support conveyor from orthogonal relationship with said groove shaping means for altering the force applied to said sticks by the drive means in a direction tending to restore said orthogonality.
 9. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein the control means comprises arm means pivotally mounted above the support conveyor on an axis transverse thereof and disposed at an upright acute angle thereto, the arms means having a pair of transversely spaced feelers adapted to ride on the surface of sticks moving along said conveyor, one of the feelers being fixed relative to said arm and the other being moveable with respect thereto in a direction longitudinally of said conveyor, and control signal generating means connected to and operative upon movement of said movable feeler.
 10. The method of forming finger joint grooves in a plurality of short sticks of lumber of substantially uniform width and thickness comprising arranging the sticks in side-by-side engaging relationship on their narrower surfaces into a sheet-like array in which first ends of said sticks are aligned in a substantially straight edge, conveying the sheet-like array of sticks past finger groove shaping means along the substantially straight edge to cut serrations in the first end of each stick, maintaining said sticks of said sheet-like array against displacement relative to one another and to the finger groove shaping means during the cutting of the serrations, and sensing departure of sticks in the sheet-like array from orthogonal relationship with the finger groove shaping means for altering the force, which is applied to said sticks for maintaining them against relative displacement, in a direction tending to restore the orthogonality of said sticks. 